The Magic of Thinking Big - Chapter 12
12. USE GOALS TO HELP YOU GROW
Dr. Schwartz defines a goal as more than a dream, but a dream being acted upon.
Without a goal there can be no forward movement, no achievement, no success.
Goals must be specific statements of intention, followed by movement towards that intention. Set your sights on a destination, plan your action steps, and move in the direction of your goals until you achieve them.
Sure, the will be detours, stumbling blocks, and dead ends. That's why you also need persistence and grit to help you overcome these challenges, and to keep you going.
The author quotes Dave Mahoney, who said, "The important thing is not where you were or where you are, but where you want to get."
You can't improve what you don't measure.
You can't improve what you don't measure. And you can't measure against a goal that doesn't exist. So if you want to determine how well your life is going, you need a set of goals to measure against. If you're moving towards the goals you set, then you're becoming a success. If you're moving away from your goals, then you're becoming a failure.
Set an image for the person you want to become 5 or 10 years from now. Figure out the things you need to do to become that person. And then get to work.
Decide where you want to go before you pack your bags and go to the airport. You can't just get to the ticket counter and ask for a ticket without specifying where you intend to travel.
visualize your life in three categories
Dr. Schwartz says to visualize your life in terms of three categories:
1. Work:
A. What income level do I want to attain?
B. What level of responsibility do I seek?
C. How much authority do I want to command?
D. What prestige do I expect to gain from my work?
2. Home:
A. What standard of living do I want to provide for my family?
B. What kind of house do I want to live in?
C. What kind of vacations do I want to take?
D. What financial support do I want to give my children in their early adult years?
3. Social:
A. What kinds of friends do I want to have?
B. What social groups do I want to join?
C. What community leadership positions would I like to hold?
D. What worthwhile causes do I want to champion?
Your work, or money, goals affect every other category. So be sure to stay on the ball in this category, otherwise everything else will suffer.
guard against these five success killers
The author cautions us to guard against these five success killers:
1. Self-depreciation. Negative beliefs about your talent, skills and abilities.
2. Security. Being too comfortable in your current station and not trying to grow.
3. Fear of competition.
4. Parental dictation. Choosing a career to please your parents or somebody else, other than yourself.
5. Family responsibility. Using responsibility as an excuse to not move forward.
He writes, "Surrender to desire and gain energy, enthusiasm, mental zip, and even better health."
Honor your preferences
Jack Canfield puts it simply this way, "Honor your preferences.
Do the things that make you happy without causing harm to other people, animals or things."
Set goals. Set deadlines. Plan for success. Overcome obstacles. Try again when you stumble. And you will be well on your way to success.
Focus on one step at a time, not the whole journey. The whole journey will overwhelm you. But the next step is believable and achievable. For every action you plan to take, ask yourself, "Will this help me move towards my goals or away from them?" From your answer you will know the right thing to do.
simple formula to achieve your goals
Dr. Schwartz offers a simple formula to achieve your goals:
1. What habits do I need to break?
2. What habits do I need to acquire?
3. How will I increase my value to my employer?
4. How will I increase my value to my home?
5. How will I sharpen my mind?
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